Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Foundation, Inc. is helping respond to the European refugee and migration crisis with an expedited $30,000 grant to the American Red Cross. Based in Stamford, Connecticut, the Starwood Foundation donation to the migration crisis is in addition to its ongoing global support of the Red Cross as a Disaster Responder supporter.

“We’re grateful to Starwood for this generous gift to help support the work of the Red Cross with the refugee and migration crisis,” said American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region CEO Mario Bruno. “Starwood’s ongoing partnership and support of the Red Cross is key in helping us deliver vital services to our community and around the world.”

“At Starwood Hotels & Resorts and through the Starwood Foundation, our Global Citizenship work is about being part of something bigger, doing the right thing and giving back to the communities where we operate. The Red Cross is able to respond quickly and effectively in times of need, and we’re proud of our on-going partnership to help support its mission. When the Red Cross expressed a need for help, our Foundation expedited a grant to provide critical assistance for this global humanitarian crisis,” said Michelle Naggar, Vice President of Social Responsibility at Starwood and President of the Starwood Foundation.

As families search for safety across the Middle East and Europe, the global Red Cross network is providing vital humanitarian assistance to those in need. Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are serving tens of thousands of migrants and refugees, including along the Mediterranean and Western Balkans migratory routes in countries of origin, transit and arrival.

This critical assistance includes the distribution of food, water, hygiene kits, baby supplies, clothing and first aid kits. Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are also providing medical care and first aid, shelter, and psychosocial support. Additionally, migrants who have been separated from their family members have been receiving assistance from the Red Cross Restoring Family Links program to reconnect with their loves ones. To learn more visit redcross.org/migrationcrisis.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/ct or visit us on Twitter at @CTRedCross.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts:

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 1,270 properties in some 100 countries and over 180,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences under the renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Tribute Portfolio™, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, Element®, along with an expanded partnership with Design Hotels™. The Company also boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®). Visit www.starwoodhotels.com for more information and stay connected @starwoodbuzz on Twitter and Instagram and facebook.com/Starwood.